[1] Inking the telescope

I’m going to draw the telescope using the [Figure] > [Straight line] and [Curve] tools.

When drawing cylindrical objects, I find it helpful to draw a guide line in the center of the cylinder.

 

I draw this on a separate layer so I can delete it easily later.

For the detailed parts, I use the “Slim lines” brush that I made in part 2 of this series.

 

It’s fine to move or adjust it later, so I don’t mind drawing some parts overlapping with the character.

 

Then I delete the guide line.

 

Hint: Using the concentric circle ruler

You can also use the Concentric circle ruler to help you draw cylinders.

Watch the below YouTube clip for a brief introduction of the [Concentric circle ruler], [Perspective ruler], and [Symmetrical ruler].

 

[2] Inking the background

I make new layers and start by drawing the objects in the foreground, then gradually toward the background.

In this case too, I don’t mind if the lines overlap with the main character.

 

In front of the character

 

Behind the character

 

Once I’ve drawn the main parts of the background, I add in some details.

 

When I’ve drawn most of the line art, I hide the rough draft layers to check how the line art looks overall.

I add a few more details, then I’m done.

 

[3] Deleting extra lines with layer masks

I’m going to tidy up all of the unneeded lines. I’ve hidden the rough draft layers so I can see the line art clearly.

 

I go to the [Layer] menu > [Combine Selected Layer] to combine the secondary folders into single layers.

Now I’ll delete all of the parts overlapping with the main character.

 

I delete any completely unnecessary lines with the [Eraser] tool, but I decide to hide any lines I might need later with a layer mask.

 

I click the “Create layer mask” icon at the top of the layer palette.

When selecting the thumbnail for the layer mask I made, I can mask (hide) lines with the [Eraser] tool or drawing tools set to transparent color.

 

Alternatively, if I draw on the mask with a color, the mask will be erased and the lines underneath will be visible.

 

I select the layer mask for the “Telescope” layer, and hide the parts where the lines of the person and the telescope are overlapping.

 

[4] Extra details

Finally, I add a few more small details, then my line art is done.